Ice Bath Cleanses Russian Orthodox Believers

A woman makes a cross sign after taking a dip in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany in the Sea of Japan in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia, Jan. 19, 2016.



Orthodox believers mark Epiphany on Jan. 19 by immersing themselves in icy waters regardless of the weather.

A man immerses himself in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany in the Sea of Japan in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.

A man and a girl take a dip in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany in the Sea of Japan in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.

A man immerses himself in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany on the ice-covered lake near the village of Dubrovichi outside Ryazan.

A man jumps into icy water during Epiphany celebration in the historic town of Pereslavl Zalessky, some 150 km (93 miles) from Moscow.

A man takes a dip in a font on the eve of the Orthodox Epiphany in central Moscow.

A woman takes a dip in a font on the eve of the Orthodox Epiphany in central Moscow.

A priest pours icy water over a woman during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany on the ice-covered Mana river, with the air temperature at about minus 33 degrees Celsius, in Taiga area near the Siberian village of Mansky outside Krasnoyarsk.